Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
Narrated by Angela Dawe
Brilliance Audio
2010
Length: 9 hours, 13 minutes
Synopsis from Goodreads:On the day she was
abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a 32-year-old realtor, had three goals—sell a
house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time
for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but
when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she’s about to leave, Annie
thinks it just might be her lucky day after all.
Interwoven with the
story of the year Annie spent as the captive of a psychopath in a remote
mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist,
is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her
struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing
police investigation into the identity of her captor.
Still Missing is that rare debut find–a shocking, visceral, brutal and beautifully crafted debut novel.
My thoughts: This was an intense book. It is a suspenseful, psychological thriller, filled with quite a few twists and turns that you never see coming and right from the very beginning you are hooked. I had seen quite a few bloggers read and rave about this book, so I couldn’t wait to read/listen to it.
Still Missing is a compelling tale of a woman kidnapped and held for a year against her will. The story weaves back and forth from the present to the past. The story starts with Annie’s first session in therapy after her year in captivity. It is during these sessions that we find out through flashbacks what occurred during that captivity. At times disturbing, at times heartbreaking, you immediately start rooting for Annie and as the pieces come together after, you feel anger and disbelief.
I can’t get this story out of my mind…it’s haunting and sad, but when Annie finally stands up for herself after the unspeakable occurs, you can’t help but cheer her on! I will definitely be keeping an eye on what else Chevy Stevens writes. Have you read this one yet? Have you read her other book, Never Knowing?
Audio Thoughts: I think Angela Dawe did an amazing job of creating the voices for this audio production. She was able to give Annie the perfect voice, using just the right emotions when telling the harrowing tale of the captivity. It’s the first time I’ve listened to anything read by Angela Dawe and I will definitely be looking for more of her work.
(I borrowed this audio book from the library.)
I haven't heard of this one but it sounds really interesting! I will definitely have to request this audiobook from the library!
I thought the audio was great so if you listen to it, let me know.
I read Still Missing a while ago, and I'm so glad that the audio does this book justice! It's one of my favorites and "intense" is the perfect word for it. I also read Never Knowing – similarly structured (discussion with therapist) and not as good, in my opinion, as Still Missing, but still an excellent book. Chevy Stevens can do no wrong. Great review!
The audio really did work. Thanks for your input on Never Knowing – will probably still read it (or listen to it if I can find the audio). I hope Chevy Stevens comes out with some more books soon!
I'm glad Dawe did a good job with this, I could see it being overly melodramatic with a bad narrator.
Great review Kristin, this made my favourite read list in 2010, I listened to the audio too and thought it was brilliant. Never Knowing is on my TBR mountain but there's just not enough hours in the day lol